This site uses cookies to store information on your computer, to improve your experience. One of the cookies this site uses is essential for parts of the site to operate and has already been set. You may delete and block all cookies from this site, but parts of the site will not work. To find out more about the cookies this site uses and how to delete them, please see the privacy notice.

I accept cookies from this site.

Some of the elements on this page require cookies to function correctly. You are not currently accepting cookies from this site. As a result, some of the elements on this page may not behave as you might expect.

Allotment do's and don'ts

Everything you’ve always wanted to know about renting an allotment from City of Lincoln Council.

Allotments have their own legislation which dictate how allotments should be used. This page provides a Plain English interpretation of the legislation.

Persistently breaking any of rules mentioned will result in you being sent a Notice to Quit your allotment plot.

Do

You can plant herbs and flowers as well as fruit and vegetables

If your site has gates, you must always ensure you lock them behind you

You can bring your dog on site as long as it’s kept on a lead at all times

You can build a pond, as long as it’s built in a way that’s not dangerous to people and animals

You can have a small lawned area as long as it’s regularly mown

You must erect a clearly visible number board on your plot

Fruit trees can be grown but should not exceed 2 metres (we would suggest using a dwarf roof stock)

Dwarf fruit trees such as apple and pear trees may be grown in restricted forms such as espaliers or cordons

If you have fruit bushes/ trees etc, you must maintain the area around them

You must cultivate and keep free from weeds at least 75 per cent of your plot

If there is a shed on the plot you must maintain it in a serviceable and safe condition

You must pay your allotment invoice with 40 days of receiving it

Always inform the Allotments Officer if you change your address

Permit entry to shed/structures for allotment staff at any time requested

If you vacate the plot, you must remove all belongings immediately

Paths either side of your plot should be maintained and kept to a minimum width of 50cm 500mm)

Always inform us if you have any problems

You are responsible for maintaining the inside of any hedge adjacent to your plot

You are responsible for any hedges or trees within your plot

Use water sparingly

Compost and recycle as much as you can

Get permission from the Allotments Office if you wish to erect structures or if you wish to keep chickens, rabbits or bees on the plot

Don't

You are not allowed to sublet your plot or transfer your tenancy

You are not allowed to use your plot for any trade or business

You are not allowed to bring onto or use carpets on allotment plots

You are not allowed to bring rubbish onto the site or store it on your plot

You are not allowed to block communal pathways

You are not allowed to have smoky bonfires that cause a nuisance or leave fires unattended

You must not use a sprinkler system to water crops

You are not allowed to stay overnight on your allotment plot

You are not allowed to cause a nuisance to other plotholders or neighbouring householders – for example, nuisance could include bad language, threats, getting drunk, playing loud music or racist language

You or your children are not allowed to go onto other peoples plots unless they have given you permission to do so

You are not allowed to dig up paths between plot

You are not allowed to use any form of harassment or violence on-site, be it physical or verbal

You are not allowed to let your dog stray onto or foul on paths or plots

You are not allowed to give your key to other people or allow them to visit your plot unsupervised

You are not allowed to bring firearms onto allotment sites

You are not allowed to keep cockerels, turkeys, pigeons, pigs, sheep, goats or horses on allotment plots

You must not bring any harmful objects onto the site, such as, banned chemicals, asbestos, builders rubble, broken glass, scrap metal, tyres and general refuse

Cultivation requirements

From the start of your tenancy, you have a three month probationary period in which enforcement for non-cultivation is not applicable.

Good cultivation involves a regular level of work with crops planted or ground prepared ready for planting and a virtually weed-free plot.

If you have fruit bushes/ trees, the area around them must be maintained to a high standard and not be allowed to become overgrown and covered in weeds.

You should not allow your plot to become covered in weeds that seed or spread.

If you fail to pay your invoice within 40 days or fail to improve the condition of your plot following enforcement letters being issued, you will be issued with a one-month Notice to Quit.